January 2003 • Cooperative Extension Service •Department of Family & Consumer Sciences• University of Wyoming • Vol. 6, No. 1
“Before these classes, I never thought about how I ate over and above the recommended serving sizes. Now I am aware of how much I eat, and am
Let’s Get Moving!
Inactivity is at the heart of the weight issue in America. We are working
more hours than our parents and grandparents but spending fewer work hours engaged in physical labor or activities. When we do get home, we collapse in front of the television. There was a time when experts felt that to be of value, exercise needed to be vigorously aerobic for at least 20 minutes at a time, three or more days per week. Recent studies have shown that fitness gains are similar when physical activity occurs in several short sessions. The current recommendation for healthy adults is to include a total of at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on all, or most, days of the week. For many of us, regular physical activity is about finding time to do it. Think of physical activity as recess and go to recess every day. Here are some tips and ideas to help you find the time to be active and to keep it fun. Moving At Work
feeling so much healthier and have more energy”.
“Given what we know about the benefits of physical activity, it should be mandatory to get a doctor’s permission not to exercise.”
— Dr. P-O Astrand
Park County Participant
Outside Fun < Play with the kids or take the dog for a walk. < Sneak in a brief walk before and after work. < Have a snowball throwing contest.
☺ Take the stairs - even two flights of stairs a day can do wonders. ☺ Set the alarm on your computer and do 20 jumping-jacks every hour or two. ☺ Choose a restaurant within walking distance for lunch.
Other Activities Turn on your music and dance while you clean. Keep a comfortable pair of walking shoes in the car - for a spontaneous walk! Pack a picnic lunch and walk to a peaceful place with family or friends.
Adapted from Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/columnnn/nn020114.html